Pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis in submassive pulmonary embolism

Thromboembolic pulmonary disease is challenging for physicians when diagnosed in acute, sub-acute and chronic clinical patients, not only due to its morbi-mortality, but also because of its complex therapeutic management. Severity of the acute condition and potential commitment of right ventricular systolic function require therapeutic strategies, sometimes combined, in order to change the disease's course, optimizing patient survival. Pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis are useful therapeutic tools for patients suffering from severe acute pulmonary embolism. This study refers to a young woman who developed a sub-massive pulmonary embolism, of sub-acute onset. She underwent the combined sequential therapeutic strategy of pharmacological and mechanical thrombolysis with successful outcome.